I get asked all the time which supplements I use or prescribe the most...which are the core products that I feel are most important to good health, the ones I wouldn't want to live without. In general, I think the best supplement is the one you're not getting enough of.

The American diet is notoriously short on omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin D, magnesium, zinc and vitamin B6, for example. These deficiencies have been linked to everything from heart disease to Alzheimer's.

So, a good whole-foods diet and a quality multi-vitamin can solve-or prevent-many of your health problems. Beyond that, I'm a big believer in the following 10 supplements, which have been proven to promote general health and fight many of the ailments we face as we age.

1. The miracle Aztec grain

If you've read a bit about salba, you know it almost sounds too good to be true. It's an ancient Aztec grain that has been rediscovered by modern science because of its impressive nutrition credentials. In the interest of full disclosure, the parent company that publishes Health Revelations also sells salba. And I support it whole-heartedly because this stuff is the real deal.

Salba provides omega 3 fatty acids, magnesium, calcium, folate and antioxidants packed into a whole-food form. What this supercharged food seems to do best is supply a steady energy boost that lasts all day. This may be due to its ability to stabilize blood sugar and keep you out of the "hunger zone." That means it's great for diabetics and pre-diabetics, but also great for healthy people who want to stay that way.

I throw a couple of tablespoons on my morning oatmeal or barley, along with some nuts and blueberries.

2. The "apple a day" cure for arthritis and colds

A Vermont doctor, D.C. Jarvis, started experimenting with apple cider vinegar in the 1950s, and it's clear now he was on to something. Apple cider vinegar is potentially useful for the relief of arthritis pain, heartburn and the prevention and treatment of colds and sore throats. It is often teamed up with honey-preferably raw.

Studies from the United States and Sweden show that a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a meal can blunt your post-meal blood sugar spikes, so it makes sense to include it in any diabetic care program (minus the honey). Mix it with a little water or use it on your salads with some olive or flax-seed oil.

3. A nutrient powerhouse for people on the go

Green drinks are mixable powders that preserve the nutritional value of the original fruits and vegetables. They deliver more antioxidants to your blood and, in my experience, people tend to feel energized when they drink them.

It'd be great if we all ate ideal diets with a daily rainbow of fruits and vegetables. The truth is, many of us don't. Green drinks offer a valid back-up that can help make up the difference.

My favorite green drinks are VitaminMineral Green (www.healthforce.com), Berry Green (www.newchapter.com) and Nano Greens (www.nano-greens.com). I think Nano Greens is the best tasting of the lot.

4. The root that started a revolution

Rhodiola rosea is a plant root harvested from the mountain slopes of Russia, Mongolia and China. It is used to boost energy and libido, promote healthy aging, improve mood, memory and cognition, and enhance athletic performance.

Because it supports the adrenal and thyroid glands, it's an excellent first-line therapy for the typical stressed out, fatigued, mildly depressed casualty of our modern pedal-to-the-metal lifestyle.

For more info, get your hands on The Rhodiola Revolution by Richard P. Brown MD and Patricia L. Gerbarg MD (husband and wife).

5. Let this mood-booster go straight to your head.

If you want to gently boost your mood, think more clearly and calm down, consider theanine. Theanine is an amino acid found in green tea. It increases your brain's levels of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter associated with motivation, reward, mood, sleep attention, learning and speech.

Theanine also moderates levels of the stress hormones adrenalin and noradrenalin (aka epinephrine and norepinephrine) and may protect against the degeneration of brain cells. Look for products with Suntheanine, which can be easily located on the Internet. Take 100 -200 mg once or twice day. It may even help you sleep.

6. Become an alpha male (or female)

Alpha lipoic acid, referred to as the "universal antioxidant," is one of the most useful supplements in my practice. It helps regenerate several major antioxidants-such as vitamins E and C, glutathione and Coenzyme Q10-back to their active states.

It is useful for the treatment of diabetes, liver disease and liver failure, glaucoma and peripheral neuropathy-usually a loss of feeling in the feet or hands-in folks with diabetes. I'd recommend 100- 200 mg a day for general health support, and up to 600 mg daily or more for specific conditions. I use Designs for Health, but Jarrow and NOW make more widely available versions. You can find all these products on the Internet.

7. Forget dying on the vine…

Grape-seed extract (GSE) is a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation. It helps prevent LDL cholesterol from oxidizing and forming plaque on your blood vessel walls.

It makes platelets more slippery, helping prevent the formation of artery-blocking clots. It's also useful for high blood pressure, wound healing, arthritis and brain cell support and protection.

I prescribe it in supplement form, usually Grape Seed Supreme from Designs For Health, although you can't go wrong with any product that contains "Masquelier's Own OPC." Masquelier is the French scientist who did much of the early research on GSE.

8. Plant the seeds for pain relief

Zyflamend is a botanical anti-inflammatory made by New Chapter. It includes a total of nine traditional and well-studied plant extracts, including ginger, curcumin, rosemary and green tea. Use Zyflamend instead of dangerous NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen for arthritis treatment.

Because Zyflamend is an anti-inflammatory, it may be an effective support for early prostate cancer. If you have prostate issues in general, it's worth a try.

9. Increase your dependence on oil

Wheat-germ oil is loaded with vitamin E and a fatty alcohol, octacosanol. Together they pack a powerful punch that may lower cholesterol and improve your performance and endurance when you exercise. I recommend wheat-germ oil from Spectrum Naturals (www.spectrumorganics.com). A tablespoon or two a day should be plenty for most people.

10. A sweet solution for heart health

I've written quite a bit about dark chocolate in past issues and it remains something of a darling of the medical media.

Chocolate is a rich source of bioflavonoids and, ounce for ounce, is one of the best sources of anti-oxidants out there. Even small amounts can lower your blood pressure and protect your heart. The main fat in chocolate, stearic acid, is cholesterol neutral, meaning it will not increase your cholesterol levels. Chocolate also has phenylethylamine (PEA), which can serve as a mild and short-acting antidepressant.

Because of the calories and, in some people, the risk of overstimulation, I recommend no more than an ounce or two of dark chocolate a few times a week. Plain cocoa powder and chocolate nibs are a low-calorie, sugar-free alternative, which you may prefer.

So there you've had it-a look inside my "medicine cabinet" at the 10 supplements I couldn't be without. But I always point out that good self-care should go beyond supplements and focus on the fundamentals-good nutrition from whole foods, exercise, less stress, adequate sleep, attending to relationships with family, friends and workmates, and last, but not least, taking care of your spiritual needs.